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Archduke Assassination
In Bosnian, Sarajevo, Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife, Sophie were assassinated on June 28, 1914. The Archduke was traveling to Sarajevo to inspect the imperal armed forces, while there a group of nationalists plotted to kill the Archduke. 19 year old Gavrilo Princip shot The Archduke, and his wife killing them almost instantly. Many countries around the world blamed Serbian Government for the assassination. This event led to many others starting, including WW1. -
World War 1 Starts
On July 28, 1914, one month after Archduke Franz Ferdinand's assassination Austria-Hungary declared war on Serbia, starting World War 1. The alliances were the Central Powers, including Germany, Italy, and Austria-Hungary. The Allies included Britain, France, and Russia. This war allowed a lot of inventions to be created, things like tanks, machine guns, poison gas, submarines, planes, and trenches. These all affected the way war was fought and continues to shape the way wars are fought today. -
Trench Warfare
Trench warfare entered the western fronts on September 16, 1914. Trenches weren’t exactly new to combat, but had a new way of use in WW1. Trenches were used as defense from the maching-gun fire and artillery in the air above. Trenches were also a good stratigey to take more time for defensive protocalls. For example, when posion gas surrounded the area, the troops were allowed more time to put on gas masks before the posion gas blew into their small hallways. -
Christmas Truce of 1914
During the first World War, Pope Benedict XV proposed the idea of a temporary pause in the war for Christmas. The two countries refused to make an official cease-fire, but on Christmas, the two sides declared their own unofficial truce. All Christmas long, British and German troops enjoyed the holiday together, singing songs and playing games together. They exchanged laughs, gifts, and food accompanying each other on Christmas day. This was one of the last examples of humanity endured in ww1. -
Sinking of Lusitiana
On May 7, 1915 a British boat, the Lusitiana was sunk by a German exploading torpedo. Around 2,000 passengers were on this boat. More than 1,110 passengers dissapeared, and about 100 of the passengers were Americans. The ship took about twenty minutes to sink. The sinking of the Lusitiana later had a role in America joining the war. -
Zimmerman Telegram
On January 16, 1917, months before America entered WW1 British code breakers received a message from Arthur Zimmerman, intended for Heinrich von Eckardt. This message had instructions for the German ambassador of Mexico. The message stated that if the United States entered the war on the allies side, Von Eckardt was supposed to approach the president of Mexico with an offer to form a secrete alliance. In return Mexico would be free to annex any lost territory in the United States. -
America Enters WW1
America was netural until joining the Allies (Britian, France, and Russia) on April 2, 1917, just one year before the war ended. America joined WW1 for a few reasons. Along with the sinking of the Lusitiana, America joined to help the Allies in the war. After three years of struggling, America entering the war marked a turning point for the Allies. The American troops were well supplied and brought in strong fighting tactics. -
First Tank of WW1
Through many trial and errors, it took a while for tanks to enter the war. The British secretly created the tanks to help fight battles. Through the trial and errors, the British were able to create the first tank “Little Willie” weighing around 14 tons. The top speed was 3 mph, and Little Willie broke down frequently. It wasn’t until October 23, 1917, that the French used tanks in battles to give an impressive victory in the Great War. -
Brother Andrew and France
On January 3, 1918, Allan wrote a New Years letter to his family. In this letter he tells about his visions of going home in a month but plans changed. Allan also mentions seeing his brohter, Andrew several times while being out in France, and how they’ll see each other before the twentysixth division goes home. Along with his brother, Allan talks about New Years day for him, and how it was a good day. New Years Day in 1918 was the first day it didn’t rain for about a month in France. -
End of WW1
After four long years, of heartbreaking war, losses of many lifes, and so much more The Great War finally ends. On November 11, 1918 Germany surrendered to the allies. This war ended with nine million soldiers dead, and 21 million soldiers wounded. World War 1 was know as “the war to end all wars” due to the slaughter and distruction it brought apon the world. -
Christmas Letter
On Novemer 11, 1918, Corpal Forbes Allan wrote a Christmas letter to his family back home. In Allans letter he wrote about the wonderful day he had, seeing many things after the end of WW1. This included sights like guns, tanks, air planes, along with Napoleon’s tomb, and the Eiffel Tower. At the end of his letter, Allan tells his family how he was leaving Paris that night for Nancy. He includes his plan to arrive around nine o’clock the next morning. -
John J. Pershing Congratulations Letter
On February 28, 1919, after the end of WW1, John J. Pershing wrote a letter to the soldiers who served. The men read aloud Pershing’s letter, seeing that he respected and valued each of their time. Pershing thanked the men, including Forbes Allan for jumping up to help America and its nation. He acknowledged them for their victories, and hard work no matter their jobs. Pershing thanked the troops for their service and congratulated them for their victory. -
Letter To Return For Forbes Allan
On June 5, 1919, a letter was written to Forbes Allan. This letter included information about authority for Allan and the rest of his troops to return to the United States. The plan was for Allan and other men to be relieved from their duty, and proceed from their station to locate the Commanding General in order to return home. The Commanding Officer will notify the Troop Movement, their officers, and men to let them know they’ll need to get their possessions ready to be transported back home. -
Treaty of Versailles
The Treaty of Versailles was the most important of the peace treaties signed during WW1. It was signed on June 28, 1919, by Germany and the allied powers. During the creation of the treaty, President Wilson stated he aimed to rebuild the European economy, promote free trade, and create a Leauge of Nations. In the Treaty of Versailles, a series of provisions were included which required Germany to take responsibility for the war, pay reparations, and concede territory. -
Honorable Discharge
After serving in WW1, Forbes Allan was given a Honorable Discharge from the United States Army on July 2, 1919. Allan was recognized for being a Corpal in the Army, and now a vetran of WW1. Corpal Allan was 24 years of age when he did his service in France. He was five foot five and a half inches tall. This document states that Forbes Allan was a honest and faithful man to his country and brothers of service.
